Rainy conditions to decrease from today

The deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal, located about 240 kms northeast of Trincomalee and 290 kms east of Kankesanthurai, is expected to gradually reduce its influence on the island’s weather after today (29), the Meteorology Department said.

Baby elephant separated from herd finds refuge with buffaloes

A wild elephant calf, which was separated from its herd due to the overflow of the Mahaweli River and the Divulana Willuwa Dam in Polonnaruwa, arrived at a cowshed in the Divulana village with a herd of buffaloes on Thursday.

Sri Lanka should not bow to external pressure: Chinese Envoy

Sri Lanka must not bow to external pressure and must maintain an independent foreign policy, especially at a time when some ‘parties’ are trying to take advantage of its economic situation, China’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong told a group of journalists in Colombo last evening.

Imran Khan and wife face terrorism charges

The Pakistani government has filed a series of charges, including one related to “terrorism”, against former Prime Minister Imran Khan, his wife, Bushra Bibi, and hundreds of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party workers after protests held in Islamabad this week.

New envoys present credentials to President

Ten newly appointed ambassadors and one high commissioner to Sri Lanka presented their credentials to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake this morning (28) at the Presidential Secretariat.

Australia passes social media ban for children under 16

Australia approved on Thursday a social media ban for children aged under 16 after an emotive debate that has gripped the nation, setting a benchmark for jurisdictions around the world with one of the toughest regulations targeting Big Tech.

Leopard seeks shelter from floods in Mullaitivu home

A leopard that entered a house at Ilangowapuram in Mullaitivu to escape floods was captured by the Wildlife Conservation officers and released to a safer location.

Sri Lanka bowled out for new low against South Africa

Sri Lanka were bowled out for 42, their lowest score in Test history, on the second day of the first Test against South Africa in Durban today.

Tally of flood-affected people surpasses 400,000

A total of 401,707 people from 120,534 families have been affected across 24 districts due to the ongoing inclement weather, with 12 fatalities reported, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).

MP Archchuna surrenders before court, warrant recalled

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today recalled the arrest warrant issued against newly elected Jaffna District Parliamentarian Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna after he surrendered before court.

Most beautiful elephant in Kalawewa National Park found dead

Deega Danthu 1, widely regarded as the most beautiful elephant in the Kalawewa National Park, was found dead today after becoming entangled in an illegal electric fence, the National Park Warden confirmed.

Temporary vehicle number plates valid till December 15

The validity period of temporary vehicle number plates issued by the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) will end on December 15, DMT Commissioner General Nishantha Anuruddha Weerasinghe announced.

Sri Lanka reaffirms commitment to chemical weapons convention

Sri Lanka reiterated its long standing commitment to the full, effective, and non-discriminatory implementation of the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) at the 29th session of the Conference of State Parties (CSP-29) to the Chemical Weapons Convention yesterday in The Hague, the Netherlands.

SJB’s Chamith Wijesundera criticizes govt.’s slow response over flood disaster​

National Organizer of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Youth, Chamith Wijesundera criticized the government’s lack of preparedness and slow response in the wake of Cyclone Fengal, which has caused significant damage across Sri Lanka.

Over 1,000 rat fever cases reported in Ratnapura

A total of 1,882 leptospirosis (rat fever) cases have been reported in the Ratnapura District, marking the highest number of deaths from the disease this year.

Malaysian tycoon and maxis owner Ananda Krishnan passes away

Ananda Krishnan, one of Malaysia’s most prominent billionaires, passed away peacefully on Thursday at the age of 86, according to a statement by Usaha Tegas Sdn Bhd, his private investment vehicle. The family has requested privacy during their time of mourning.

A-9 road cleared for traffic after flooding

The A-9 main road to Jaffna at Omanthai, which had been closed for traffic due to flooding, has been cleared for vehicle movement again, police said.

Landslides in Indonesia’s Sumatra kill at least 27, rescuers search for missing

Indonesian rescuers are searching for passengers trapped in a minibus buried in mud after flash floods and landslides hit several locations in North Sumatra province, killing at least 27, an official said on Nov 28.

A/L exam postponed until December 3

Considering the candidates affected by the prevailing adverse weather conditions, the Examinations Department has decided to postpone the 2024 GCE Advanced Level (A/L) examinations till December 3, Examinations Commissioner General Amith Jayasundara announced.

CB shifts to single policy rate while effectively cutting rate by 50bps

While shifting towards a single policy interest rate structure, the Central Bank yesterday introduced what it calls the overnight policy rate (OPR) as its primary monetary policy tool and set it at 8.00 percent, effectively delivering a 50-basis-point cut in the monetary policy, as it targets the call money rate often used in the interbank market, which closed at 8.55 percent the day before.

Toll of deaths, injuries, missing persons due to adverse weather increases

The number of deaths caused by adverse weather resulting from the deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal has risen to six, with the number of injuries and missing persons increasing to 17 and six, respectively, the Meteorology Department reported.

Three FR petitions challenging business transactions involving LTL Holdings dismissed

Three Fundamental Rights petitions filed challenging the legality of business transactions involving LTL Holdings (Private) Limited were yesterday dismissed by Supreme Court.

Sri Lanka welcomes ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism in Colombo has welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.

Collective effort key for supporting Sri Lanka’s success in debt restructuring: IMF chief

In an effort to capitalise on the momentum of the rapid progress in debt restructuring, collective effort is key for supporting Sri Lanka’s success in this area, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said.

Cassilingham slams NPP over failure to assist flood-affected people in North

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Politbureau Member and District Organizer of Jaffna, Geethanath Cassilingham has accused newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Northern Province representing the National People’s Power (NPP) of failing to assist people affected by the devastation caused by Cyclone Fengal.

Finger millet, baby shrimp with fake labels seized in Kotahena

A large stock of Finger Millet (Kurakkan) and Baby Shrimp was seized by officers of the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) from a warehouse in Kotahena. The stock was being prepared for release to the market with altered labels indicating false manufacturing and expiry dates.

Phoebe Litchfield and Chamari Athapaththu key to Thunder’s win in WBBL knockout

The Hobart Hurricanes sneaked into the final four courtesy of a three-wicket win in their final league game of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 10 to knock the Scorchers out of contention. Sydney Thunder led by skipper Phoebe Litchfield finished 3rd on the points table with 13 points from 10 games in the league stages. They were the designated hosts of the knockout game against the Hobart Hurricanes as they finished 3rd in the points table.

Former England prop Marler announces retirement from rugby

Former England prop Joe Marler will retire from professional rugby after Harlequins’ clash against Bristol on Friday, the Premiership club has announced.

Two new ministry secretaries appointed

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed two new Secretaries to the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Science and Technology, President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Australia assures technical support to Sri Lanka’s national security, maritime affairs

Australia has expressed its potential technical support in areas such as national security, maritime affairs, digitalization, public sector modernization, vocational education, and the energy sector in Sri Lanka.